It’s that time of the year again. Late August always marks WWE’s big SummerSlam weekend, and what would that annual weekend be without NXT hosting a TakeOver special in Brooklyn, NY? (I don’t actually have an answer to this question but just play along.) This year, NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III marks, well, the third consecutive year that the developmental brand has hosted arguably their biggest event of the year and this is no different.
This year’s edition of TakeOver is advertised as a “homecoming” for NXT, which makes a lot of sense. Tons of big moments for the brand have taken place in Brooklyn, from Sasha Banks vs. Bayley (one of the greatest matches of the modern era) to Shinsuke Nakamura capturing the NXT Championship. This Saturday (August 19), there are sure to be more great moments with a card that looks alright on paper, but with every NXT event, it is sure to deliver way above expectations.
Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/Salina Vega)
There are no hard feelings between Johnny Gargano and Andrade “Cien” Almas (that we know of), but they both have very interesting character development-related stories that lead to each man needed to prove himself on the big stage.
Gargano’s story is one of heartbreak and betrayal that started at TakeOver: Chicago. #DIY lost a Tag Team Championship to the Authors of Pain, and Tommaso Ciampa had enough of the failure, so he attacked his now former partner. Gargano is still holding his head high and knows that this is his chance to prove himself as a solo competitor. If his run in the Cruiserweight Classic is any indicator, he should do just fine.
Almas is a bit of a different story. When the luchador formerly known as La Sombra joined NXT, it seemed like big things were in his destiny. Then, he lost consecutive important matches to the likes of Austin Aries, Bobby Roode, and Roderick Strong, which led to Almas not caring at all about what happens in the ring. After more and more losses, Salina Vega appeared out of nowhere to get Almas back into gear and get him focused on what it takes to win a match instead of being “Tranquilo.” If Almas puts his game face on he can be one of the most successful Superstars in NXT history, he just needs the motivation.
Prediction:
This one can definitely go either way, but since Almas is kind of used to losing and Gargano needs that push as a singles star, I’m going to have to give the nod to the former Tag Team Champion. Winner: Johnny Gargano
Aleister Black vs. Hideo Itami
A couple weeks ago, Aleister Black was scheduled to compete in a match against Kyle O’Reilly when Hideo Itami decided to storm the ring instead (before Black was even out there). Itami has felt disrespected over the past couple months, and he took this time to demand respect from the WWE Universe. During his promo, Black’s entrance for his match started, and when both men were in the ring, Itami looked to take his frustrations out on Black. However, Black countered and laid him out. They would be seen later on fighting backstage, but it was broken up before anything serious happened and William Regal decided to make this match.
Prediction:
Black has been booked to be unstoppable, ruining the debuts of two former Ring of Honor Tag Team Champions in Kyle O’Reilly and Bobby Fish. While Itami could use the big win here, it is safe to say that Black will walk out of Brooklyn victorious. Winner: Aleister Black
The Authors of Pain (c) vs. SAnitY – NXT Tag Team Championships
Sometimes, stories in wrestling don’t have to be elaborate. In pretty much every story you see in WWE today, there is a face (good guy) taking on a heel (bad guy) for either a championship or some personal reason. In the feud between The Authors of Pain and SAnitY, there is the rare heel vs. heel feud for one reason: the NXT Tag Team Championships.
Like Asuka, The Authors of Pain have been undefeated since their debut and have easily held onto the Tag Titles since taking them from #DIY. SAnitY is known to do their own thing, but now that they are done attacking Roderick Strong, No Way Jose, and Kassius Ohno, leader Eric Young has turned the group’s focus towards the gold. Both teams want to be the best, and it doesn’t matter who’s good and who’s bad because the simple story makes sense and gets fans interested.
Prediction:
If there is one team on the NXT roster to defeat the Authors of Pain, it is probably SAnitY. Killian Dain matches their massive size, while Alexander Wolfe’s wild unpredictability can throw the champs off of their game. Since TM61 (remember them?) is nowhere close to returning, we might as well see new champions tomorrow. Winners, and NEW NXT Tag Team Champions: SAnitY
Asuka (c) vs. Ember Moon – NXT Women’s Championship
Throughout all of 2017, every Women’s Championship match raises the question: “Will she be the one to defeat Asuka?” Ever since she debuted, the Empress of Tomorrow has not lost a single match, leading to her holding the NXT Women’s Title for over 500 days, which outlasts The New Day’s Raw Tag Team Championship reign for the longest reign of the modern era. We inevitably keep getting closer to the question being answered with a “yes,” and even though Asuka has defeated the likes of Bayley and Nia Jax, it seems like Ember Moon could be the one to dethrone her.
At TakeOver: Orlando, Asuka and Ember Moon clashed for the title for the first time. Surprisingly, it seemed like Moon has the champion reeling, but with some underhanded tactics, Asuka was able to prevent Moon from hitting the Eclipse and she retained the gold. Can she beat Ember Moon clean? Will she do anything it takes to stay on top? She clearly sees Moon as a threat to her reign, so this could be her most interesting bout yet.
Prediction:
As much as Ember Moon has been booked to be the most intimidating challenger for the Women’s Championship, it seems like she needs more time before she can be Asuka’s replacement. Moon is not the Sasha Banks to Asuka’s Charlotte Flair, at least not yet, so I don’t think we’re going to see a new champion this Saturday. Winner, and STILL NXT Women’s Champion: Asuka
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Drew McIntyre – NXT Championship
If NXT does one thing right, it is making sure that their champions have lengthy runs. Bobby Roode defeated Shinsuke Nakamura (who could be WWE Champion in two days) for the NXT Championship at TakeOver: San Antonio and the “Glorious” one has held onto the belt against the likes of Kassius Ohno, Hideo Itami, and Roderick Strong. However, he has not faced Drew McIntyre.
McIntyre returned earlier this year and has been winning matches left and right in hard-hitting affairs. He has defeated Oney Lorcan, Andrade “Cien” Almas, and Killian Dain to earn the #1 Contendership for the title. The former Intercontinental Champion is tired of Roode claiming that NXT is “his,” and instead, McIntyre wants to make sure that NXT belongs to the fans.
Prediction:
This seems like the perfect time for the new wave of an NXT Championship run, and McIntyre is the guy who can easily lead the brand going forward. Also, Roode would be a huge asset to either Raw or SmackDown, so getting him on the main roster would be a great move. Winner, and NEW NXT Champion: Drew McIntyre
